L_GCPW |
Informed Consent
Purpose of this Research: The purpose of this study is to explore how grooming choices influence individuals’ personal confidence, self-efficacy, and perceptions of professionalism in workplace contexts.
Specific Procedures: During this study, you will be asked to evaluate a series of images related to grooming. You will be asked to answer questions related to confidence, self-efficacy, and professional impressions. The study will conclude with the completion of a brief demographic survey The entire study will be conducted online and should take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
Eligibility: To participate in this study, you must be at least 18 years of age. Participation is open to individuals of all gender identities and backgrounds.
Benefits: While there are no direct benefits to you for participating, this study will contribute to research in the fields of industrial-organizational psychology, gender studies, and appearance-based social perception. The findings may support more inclusive grooming standards and deepen our understanding of how aesthetic choices influence psychological outcomes in professional environments.
Risks or Discomfort: This study is expected to pose no greater risk than you would experience during your normal daily activities. However, some individuals may experience mild discomfort when responding to appearance-based or identity-related questions. You are free to skip any question or discontinue participation at any time.
Confidentiality of Records: Your individual responses will remain completely anonymous. No identifying personal information will be collected, and your IP address will not be recorded. All data will be stored in a password-protected file on the Primary Researcher’s password-protected computer. Only the primary investigator, the supervising faculty member, and IRB officials will have access to the collected data.
Compensation: There is no monetary or course credit compensation for participating in this study. Your participation is entirely voluntary and greatly appreciated.
Contact: If you have any questions or would like additional information about this study, please contact the Primary Investigator, Sara K. DeMichele (sdemichele@mocs.flsouthern.edu) or the faculty member overseeing this project, Dr. Victoria Lew (vlew@flsouthern.edu). For any concerns or questions as a participant in this research, you may contact the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Florida Southern College by phone: 863-680-3781 or via email: vlew@flsouthern.edu.
Voluntary Participation: You are under no obligation to participate in this study. If you choose to participate, you may withdraw at any time without penalty. If you withdraw before completing the study, your data will be immediately destroyed and excluded from analysis.